School owners and boards: the first week of school is not a budget or planning week.
School owners and boards: the first week of school is not a budget or planning week.
It’s a relationship week.
You have new teachers wondering whether they made the right decision.
Returning staff deciding what kind of year this is going to be.
Leaders trying to build momentum.
This is one of your best opportunities all year to shape the culture of your school.
Don’t waste it.
1. Stop the budget meetings and go visit classrooms.
Walk around. Ask teachers what they’re working on. Ask what they need. Be interested.
2. Let them meet YOU, not just “the owner.”
Host lunch. Have coffee together. Invite them to your home. Tell them about your family, your interests, your life outside school. Give them a chance to know the person behind the title.
3. Don’t hijack orientation week.
No surprise training sessions because you found an interesting speaker or attended a conference over the summer. If professional learning matters, plan it with your senior leaders and make sure it fits the week.
4. Tell your story.
Why did you start the school?
What did you hope it would become?
What difference is it making in your community?
Teachers should understand the story they have just joined.
5. Show up. Share. Connect. Then get out of the way.
Teachers need time to prepare classrooms, collaborate with colleagues and get ready for students.
Protect that time.
6. Feed them well.
Seriously.
Skip the stale donuts and premade sandwiches.
Spend a few bucks. Give people a great meal. Sit down and eat with them.
You tell people they’re valued in hundreds of small ways.
The first week of school is full of those moments.
Show up. Share. Connect. Then get out of the way.
Your staff won’t build a relationship with your strategic plan.
They build one with you.
